Ontario's 'sixth Great Lake' is a coastal gem with turquoise beaches and quaint harbour towns
It's a magical spot for a weekend getaway.
A beach in Ontario. Right: A small town in Ontario.
Ontario is known for its stunning Great Lakes, but did you know there's a secret "sixth great lake" you can visit? Offering crystal-clear waters, quaint harbour villages and dreamy beaches, it's a summer gem worth checking out.
Its shores are dotted with long stretches of white sand, Caribbean-blue waves, and charming communities that are straight out of a storybook.
Georgian Bay is the northeastern arm of Lake Huron, and it's a gorgeous destination to explore during the summer months. At 5,792 square miles, it's not too much smaller than Lake Ontario (7,320 square miles), earning it the nickname "the sixth Great Lake."
The destination boasts 30,000 islands and 2,000 kilometres of shoreline, as well as "windswept pines, majestic towering cliffs, endless beaches and clear blue water," according to Visit Grey County.
You can visit charming small towns dotted along the coastline, such as Parry Sound, Collingwood, Penetanguishene, Thornbury, and Killarney. Here you'll discover quaint streets, cozy local shops and sparkling water views.
One of the most magical villages to visit is Tobermory — a tiny harbour town perched on crystal-clear waters and surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
There are so many beaches to visit in the Georgian Bay area. One of the most iconic destinations is Wasaga Beach, which, at over 14 kilometres long, is the world's longest freshwater beach.
Sauble Beach is another summer hotspot and is known as Canada's "best freshwater beach." The shoreline offers silky white sand and beautiful waves to take a dip in.
Awenda Provincial Park offers a quieter experience, with rolling dunes and scenic trails to explore.
If you're looking for a picturesque hike, Georgian Bay is the place to be. You can hike along beautiful trails such as Lion's Head Lookout, where you'll find dramatic cliff views and sparkling turquoise water that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean.
There's also The Crack Trail in Killarney Provincial Park, which offers sweeping mountain views, and Inglis Falls – a majestic waterfall with easy access trails.
One popular landmark to visit along the Georgian Bay shoreline is the Grotto. The ancient sea cave is known for its glass-like water and Mediterranean vibes. It's located in Bruce Peninsula National Park near the picturesque beach, Indian Head Cove.
You can also visit islands like Flowerpot Island or Manitoulin Island for more dreamy adventures.
With its sparkling waters and beautiful coastal destinations, Georgian Bay is a magical spot for a summer escape.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.